(A mother and her young daughter approach the counter. She puts down Princess Mononoke and begins to get out her card.

Me: “I’d just like to point out while this is an excellent movie, it’s probably
something you’d be uncomfortable with your daughter watching.”

Customer: “Why? It’s just a princess cartoon!”

Me: “It’s actually quite violent, it deals with a lot of complex subjects, and has scenes with realistic sword fights, there’s several dismemberments in the first few minutes. But I can recommend several other movies by the same animation studio that both of you could enjoy.”

Customer:*slightly taken aback* “Um, yes, that sounds like a good idea, I wouldn’t want her to be scared.”

Me: “Sorry it looks like it’s not available anywhere right now. I could call you when a copy comes in if you like.”

Customer: “You didn’t check the back room. Do you have any there?”

Me: “No, we don’t keep movies in the back. Company policy says we have to have all available copies on the shelf.”

Customer: “So, why don’t you have any on the shelf?”

Me: “Because we’re all checked out. There are none present at this store or any other in this area. It’s an extremely popular movie since it just came out a few days ago. We have no more copies at any nearby store.”

Customer: “Why not?”

Me: “Well, they all got checked out by other people.”

Customer: “Well, why the h*** did you let them do that? What kind of video store lets people just take whatever movie they want?!”